Electrolysis-Based Liquid Phase Transfer for Acid Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extraction processes for target substances, such as carboxylic acids produced by fermentation, are uneconomical due to the need for pH adjustment using acids or bases, leading to salt separation and disposal issues, as well as complex recovery of acids or bases, and limited operational efficiency in downstream processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving electrolysis in electrode chambers to create pH changes in an aqueous phase, allowing for the transfer of target substances between liquid phases without the need for external pH adjustment, thereby avoiding salt formation and simplifying the process by using electrical means to alter protonation states and solubility, facilitating efficient extraction and concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If acids or bases are added to adjust pH values for extraction, then the target substance can be transferred between phases, but significant amounts of salt are generated that must be separated and disposed of
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical system (adding acids or bases for pH adjustment) with an electrochemical system (electrolysis to generate H+ or OH- ions). This substitution eliminates the need for external acid/base addition and the subsequent salt formation problem, as the pH adjustment is achieved through in-situ electrolysis rather than chemical reagent addition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the method of pH control from chemical reagent addition to electrochemical parameter control. By adjusting electrolysis conditions (current, voltage, time), the pH is dynamically controlled without introducing external salts, thus resolving the contradiction between extraction efficiency and salt disposal requirements
2Productivity
If acids or bases are used for pH adjustment, then extraction can proceed, but the recovery of acids or bases used is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex chemical recovery process with a simpler electrochemical regeneration process. The electrolyte is regenerated in-situ through electrolysis, which decomposes the salt back into H+ or OH- ions and the corresponding gas (H2 or O2), eliminating the need for complex separation and recovery equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte serves a dual function: it enables pH adjustment during extraction and automatically regenerates itself through electrolysis. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external recovery systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining high extraction rates
3Reliability
If downstream processes for salt separation are used, then salt can be removed, but these processes can only be operated economically up to a maximum salt content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces downstream salt separation processes with in-situ electrolysis-based pH adjustment. By generating H+ or OH- ions directly in the extraction phase through electrolysis, the method avoids salt formation entirely, eliminating the need for nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, or other salt separation technologies
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables efficient transfer and concentration of target substances between phases, reducing economic and environmental burdens associated with salt disposal and acid/base recovery, while allowing for selective separation and purification of acids based on pH adjustments, enhancing process efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a pH change is generated in the aqueous phase by the H and/or OH ions produced during the electrolysis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for transferring a target substance (5), particularly a target molecule (5), between two liquid phases (4, 6; 6, 8; 6, 11), of which at least one phase (4, 6) comprises the target substance (5) to be transferred and at least one phase (4, 8, 11) is an aqueous phase, where at least the aqueous phase (4, 8, 11) is arranged in one of two electrode chambers (1a, 1b, 10a, 10b) which are electroconductively connected, preferably by charge carrier exchange, and separated in terms of the volumes thereof, preferably where the phases (4, 6; 6, 8; 6,11) are arranged together in one of two electrode chambers (1a, 1b, 10a, 10b) which are electroconductively connected and separated in terms of the volumes thereof, and a pH-value modification is generated by the H and/or OH ions created during the electrolysis in the aqueous phase (4, 8, 11), said modification initiating a transfer process of the target substance (5) between the phases (4, 6; 6, 8; 6,11). The invention also relates to the use of the method for enrichment and subsequent isolation of the target substance (5).